Hey folks, I just bought a harbor freight/Fischer Price portable bandsaw, but I then discovered the Milwaukee metal circular saw, which seems more versatile... But how well do they cut square tubing? What about a 45 miter on square tube?I spent all my money on a welder, and hood, so I can only afford something under $100 for now. Only doing some occasional cutting, up to 3/16. Of course , I'm not sure how I'll be cutting steel plate with the band saw, but for small cuts I might be able to use my grinder . I do have a one piece cutting torch but i don't have tanks. I'm not sure I want that as my only cutting tool atm.I found this circular saw on Amazon, more affordable than Milwaukee.http://www.amazon.com/Evolution-Powe...l+circular+sawIt seems very versatile. I only have a cordless circular saw, and a table saw. And I'm not sure if putting a metal cutting blade on my table saw is safe.... Anyone know if that's a bad idea?
Reply:For cutting things like square tube, I think you should loom at a chopsaw. The circular saw is more for making long, straight cuts on plate/sheet.Miller Dialarc 250 AC/DCWeldcraft A-150VSmith O/P
Reply:Between the two I'd pick a bandsaw every time. They're really tools with very different uses, and I cut smaller stuff (structural memebers) to size a lot more often than I'm slicing pieces out of sheet or plate.In my opinion, you should get that torch operational. It's a metalworker's jack of all trades.
Reply:I would go for a chop saw. Are these near you ? http://baltimore.craigslist.org/tls/4710212933.html Milwaukee metal cutting chop saw 14" - $75 (glen burnie) or http://lancaster.craigslist.org/tls/4708837459.html Porter Cable chop saw - $30 (lampeter) these both would be cheap in my area. The band saw is a handy tool for sure. I agree with others on using the circular saw for plate or flat stock. It can be used to cut any steel .
Reply:Here's you another option from Lanse.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...g+circular+saw
Reply:Oh yeah, poke a hole through the puddle with a stick! Problem solved .Good deals on the chopsaws. Not as portable as I would like but no doubt a good tool. Frankly, I need them all. Maybe I'll keep the band saw and see if I can setup the torch with propane.
Reply:I have portable band saw; find this the most versatile cutting tool in my shopOld tools, trajan band saw, grizzly, delta,lincoln
Reply:Originally Posted by Seawalker....see if I can setup the torch with propane.
Reply:For safety reason a propane setup should be a propane setup. The hoses are type '' T " and the regulator is different for LPG. http://www.weldersupply.com/P/450/Sm...leneMediumDuty
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1For safety reason a propane setup should be a propane setup. The hoses are type '' T " and the regulator is different for LPG. http://www.weldersupply.com/P/450/Sm...leneMediumDuty
Reply:Here's what I've got. Father in law gave it to me. He says the regs prob work, they usually don't go bad. But no way to know until I get a new gauge and lense and try them.They would cost me $75 a piece to get rebuilt if they don't. Not worth it to me.I also have an 80cu of Argon which I could swap out for O2 for $50. I want to play with this thing because torches are awesome. But a circular saw is a lot quicker in my case for a cut once in a while. But, that would limit me to straight lines
Reply:'' Please explain why it is dangerous to use propane in a modern acetylene regulator, and which manufacturer gave you this information. I only ask because I expect most of us here who switched to propane are running our old acetylene gear, including the regulator.''Talking to a SMITH rep, each regulator manufacture has a parts list and part number for their specific acetylene and propane regulator . If all the internal parts [ rubber diaphragm] in your regulator are the same parts as offered for propane, then propane won't eat them. You might get away using it once and a while before the rubber guts are attacked by propane. That's why the '' T '' hoses are used. Regular hose may be fine but for how long ? There might be something in the Safety forum, I didn't check.
Reply:Originally Posted by Seawalker......He says the regs prob work, they usually don't go bad. But no way to know until I get a new gauge and lense and try them.
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amn, your right. I didn't even notice the gauge needle. I had pretty much resigned that I was going to have to buy a new outfit. Despite what pops said, they don't look reliable. And, I'd like to have a torch handle and tip. Hoses are no good IMO either. Like u said, maybe I could see of the 02 reg works. None of the welding shops would bench test it for me. They all send it out.
Reply:That Harris setup is really not a big buck high quality setup. It appears that is a cutting torch only. Is the cutting head removable ? By the time you invest $$$$ rebuilding the entire setup you would be wiser to upgrade to a new 100% safe outfit. A new one would give you the advantage of separate barrel and cutting head too where you could use welding tips and a rosebud. Normally a kit is a better dollar value.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1That Harris setup is really not a big buck high quality setup. It appears that is a cutting torch only. Is the cutting head removable ? By the time you invest $$$$ rebuilding the entire setup you would be wiser to upgrade to a new 100% safe outfit. A new one would give you the advantage of separate barrel and cutting head too where you could use welding tips and a rosebud. Normally a kit is a better dollar value.
Reply:Good call Tbone! It is a genuine SST1600! Worth keeping and using. The regulators are like medium duty size I guess. Like you said , no arrestors , at this point I mind as well buy a new outfit .I like the feel and balance of the one piece cutting torch. It feels like I could get in a nice comfortable position and keep a consistent speed with it compared to a combo torch.Last edited by Seawalker; 10-17-2014 at 12:29 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by SeawalkerI like the feel and balance of the one piece cutting torch. It feels like I could get in a nice comfortable position and keep a consistent speed with it compared to a combo torch.